ITALY: WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 1982

ITALY: WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 1982

Marco Tardelli’s euphoric celebration after scoring Italy’s second goal of the game is quite rightly one of the most iconic images in football.

An element of the goal that is often overlooked, however, is the work from central defender Gaetano Scirea (celebrating above).

Over an hour had been played in the summer heat of Madrid when Scirea came out from his defensive line to intercept a wayward ball, he proceeded to carry the ball to near the halfway line before an intricate move was built around his passing and movement. His final pass is delivered to an unmarked Tardelli who smashes it home.

It’s a clip to remind us why a young Franco Baresi could not shift him from the side and why he should be considered alongside the likes of Baresi and Maldini as one of the finest defenders Italy has ever produced.

 

Words by Andy Gallagher

 

 

 

 

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